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June 6th, 2018 | BY: Allegra Chaney

The Awkward Introduction: 5 Things to Discuss with a Caregiver

Dear Allegra,

As a social worker for a home care agency, I’m often one of the first team members to meet with prospective new clients and their families. While families are often very forthcoming with some questions, I know there are other questions they feel awkward asking.

Our challenge becomes finding the right caregiver when we don’t have a true picture of the client’s needs. We can’t really understand what families need and want when they withhold important information from us.

Do you have any advice for encouraging families to open up?

Sincerely,

Sharon

Meeting a Caregiver for the First Time

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for sharing this great insight! I agree that withholding information can be an issue for families, and understandably so. Sometimes we see it with families caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease. They are afraid we will turn their loved one down as a client if they share the senior’s complete history.

Other times, it is a concern about a very challenging parent. The family may be worn out from trying to navigate difficult times with their loved one and fearing that being honest about their family member’s personality will prevent them from getting the necessary assistance.

What may help is to ask targeted questions to families during your meetings. Make it as easy as possible to ask and answer these awkward questions. For example, colorful language is a common but embarrassing behavior for families to discuss, but it helps to know so the right caregiver can be assigned.

Preface your questions by saying something like, “A few of the challenges faced by other families we work with are…”

Then ask if they are struggling with anything similar. You’ll need to be honest and reassure the family that the information won’t affect your willingness to care for their loved one.

A few topics to cover may be:

Any fears or phobias (e.g., people with Alzheimer’s often develop a fear of water)

Unusual behaviors such as agitation, aggression, paranoia, or wandering

Hoarding tendencies that seem to have increased during senior years

Other topics families aren’t sure how to tackle include:

The desire for an aide to accompany the senior to a weekly religious service

A senior love one’s habit of smoking heavily in the home

These are just a few ideas for conversation starters. Once the family understands that home care agencies are accustomed to working with a variety of different personalities and navigating difficult health care conditions, they may begin to feel more comfortable and open up to you.

My name is Allegra Chaney, and I believe in the dignity and necessity of caregiving. I have been a professional caregiver with Griswold Home Care for over 35 years and know the struggles and joys of caregiving. I am happy to share what I’ve learned with you whether you’re a family caregiver who is looking for advice or a professional like myself.

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Ask Allegra provides general information and discussion to promote broad understanding and knowledge about various caregiving topics. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and linked materials within this blog are not intended and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with a licensed physician or other qualified health care provider. Never forgo professional medical advice or delay in seeking medical attention because of something you have read on this blog or in any of the linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately.